(COLUMBUS) - Authorities in Columbus blame the deaths of three young adults this month on a heroin "epidemic."

The Republic reports all three victims all were in their 20s.

Columbus police Lt. Matt Myers says, "It is an epidemic right now. It is a problem and it is going to get much worse."

Myers says the number of heroin buys made by undercover narcotics officers this year is about three times greater than the number made during the previous three years combined. He says heroin could become as great a problem in the Columbus area as methamphetamine.

Columbus isn't alone in facing a growing heroin problem. The Indianapolis public safety director said 10 days ago authorities there are devising strategies to reduce the impact of heroin in the capital.